In a lofty studio on 609 Greenwich St., a collection that broke ground 40 years ago for pioneering designer athleisure has made an unexpected reappearance. In 1982, Norma Kamali took the fashion world by storm with her “Sweats” Collection, synthesizing the comfort of ready-to-wear with high fashion. On Thursday, inspired by how far the modern woman has come in recent decades, Kamali brought back the revolutionary collection, tweaking silhouettes and fabrics to adjust to ever-changing trends while staying true to her core belief of fashion with function.
The electric showroom of her Spring/Summer 2026 collection was lined with groups of mannequins donning a wide variety of looks and styles. Each side of the room, with distinct color and design themes, told a story of the many possibilities a modern woman’s day-to-day life can hold.
Against one wall stood a reinvention of the original “Sweats” Collection, featuring a palette of simplistic, comfortable gray mixed with whites and silvers. The molded shoulders, appearing in various cardigans and dresses, are a toned-down echo of the massive shoulder pads Kamali debuted more than 40 years ago, as are the cashmere-like terry cotton fabrics recycled from her past collection. Her pieces, ranging from jumpers to bodysuits to skirts, are fashion-forward yet easily imaginable for daily wear.
“It’s the most versatile uniform anyone could have,” Norma Kamali spokesperson Colette Sipperly told WSN. “It works when layered as a piece with everything in your wardrobe, whether you wear it head to toe to run in, or you mix it with a skirt for the office.”
This theme of comfort is unmistakably present around the showroom, from the neighboring wall of playful, blush pink casual dresses to an ensemble of dramatic black evening gowns. At first glance, the sophisticated lace detailing and elegant draping of the long skirts are a stark contrast to the casual comfort of the “Sweats” Collection — yet upon closer inspection, many of these looks incorporate corporate-esque collars and loose cowl necks that could act as casual outerwear or hoods. Their minimalist aesthetic makes them applicable to a plethora of settings.
As both the creative designer and CEO of her brand, Kamali “knows how complicated everybody’s life is [as] a woman,” according to Sipperly. Despite displaying a wide range of fabrications, Kamali keeps in mind the wearability and washability of her pieces — no matter if it’s a terry cotton sweat material, delicate black lace or a blush-pink bolero.
“Everything can be washed — everything,” Sipperly said. “She feels so strongly that a modern person has to be able to wash their things and not rely on dry cleaning. [This collection is about] what makes a woman feel good and look good, and is easy for a woman.”
Kamali’s collection manifests as an accepting embrace of modern women, who are often tasked with balancing personal style with the pragmatic demands — and overlooked challenges — of their daily lives. With Kamali, the complexities of womanhood are recognized and honored.
Contact Ivanka Sun at [email protected].
